As South Africans prepare for the busy Easter period known for increased travel and traffic volumes, Bolt, the leading e-hailing platform in South Africa, is urging riders to put safety first by choosing reliable, tech-enabled transport options to move around safely.
To incentivise passengers during this peak travel period, Bolt South Africa is giving riders a chance to win a PlayStation 5. Passengers who complete between 4 and 10 trips during the month of April will automatically be entered into the draw.
Traditionally, during Easter, Bolt has experienced a significant increase in rides, with over 10% more riders choosing the service during the holiday period, indicating heightened trust. A comparison of April 2023 to April 2024 reveals a 9.5% growth in rides, further highlighting this trend.
Comparing April 2023 to April 2024, ride volumes increased by over 22% during the two-week period surrounding Easter, highlighting a significant rise in demand and reliance on e-hailing services during the holiday season.
Easter is marked by celebrations, family gatherings, and increased travel. However, this period also sees a corresponding rise in road-related accidents and fatalities. With safety as a top priority, Bolt is encouraging users to take advantage of the app’s comprehensive suite of in-app safety features, designed to help protect both drivers and passengers.
Here are some safety tips for both riders and drivers using the Bolt platform:
For Riders:
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Verify the Driver and Car: Always check that the car model, license plate, and driver’s details match the information provided in the app before getting in.
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Share Your Ride: Use the “Share My Ride” feature in the app to share your trip details with a friend or family member for added peace of mind.
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Sit in the Back Seat: For your safety, always sit in the back seat of the car during the ride.
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Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions while traveling.
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Follow Your Route: Track the route in the app to ensure the driver is taking the correct path.
For Drivers:
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Confirm Passenger Details: Before starting the ride, verify the rider’s name and destination to avoid any confusion.
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Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Safe: Ensure your car is in good working condition and clean to provide a comfortable and safe experience for riders.
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Drive Safely: Always obey traffic rules, drive within speed limits, and avoid distractions while on the road.
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Stay in Contact: If needed, contact the rider through the app to confirm pickup details or inform them of any changes.
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Report Any Concerns: If you feel unsafe during a trip, you can use the app to alert Bolt’s support team for assistance.
By following these safety tips, both riders and drivers can help ensure a safe and pleasant experience while using the Bolt platform.
“We understand that Easter is a time for celebration, but it’s also a period where we see more accidents on our roads,” said Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager for Bolt South Africa. “At Bolt, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, trusted platform for riders and drivers alike. Our technology is built to prioritise safety every step of the way, whether you’re heading to church, visiting family, or returning home late at night.”
Bolt encourages South Africans to avoid drinking and driving, stay alert on the roads, and opt for e-hailing services like Bolt to ensure a safer journey during the holiday period. “Safety isn’t just a feature on our app, it’s a fundamental value we build our service around,” Motsoeneng added.
At Bolt, we’re committed to helping South Africans travel safely, affordably, and responsibly. This Easter, make your journeys smoother by using Bolt’s Ride Scheduling feature for a stress-free and efficient travel experience.
T&Cs apply. Download the Bolt app today and get where you need to go safely.
